Libertyville Family Law Blog

Can parents negotiate child support?

On behalf of Beermann Law Group, Ltd. posted in child support on Friday, December 27, 2019.

Child support is important for children who have been through divorce. It's a good method for making sure they have at least one home that has the support of both parents, even though their parents live apart.

Child support can still be a topic of contention, though, despite the fact that both parents probably agree on the needs of their child. It can be hard for the person paying support because they may lose a fairly large portion of their income toward that support and still have to raise their child, too. For the person receiving the support, it's needed and appreciated, but they could feel that it's not enough or feel guilty that the other person is having to pay so much.

How will retirement account division work in your divorce?

On behalf of Beermann Law Group, Ltd. on Friday, December 20, 2019.

If you and your spouse have decided to end your marriage, is it likely that neither of you is looking forward to the property division phase of the divorce.

One of the areas of concern is the division of your retirement accounts. How does this work?

Get off to the right start by protecting your finances in divorce

On behalf of Beermann Law Group, Ltd. posted in Divorce on Friday, December 13, 2019.

Divorces can take a toll on you. One day, you may think things are fine, or perhaps a little rocky, in your marriage. The next, you could be receiving divorce paperwork from your spouse.

Though your divorce may move forward smoothly, one thing that you will need to consider is how it affects your financial planning for the future. It might be hard to think of something like that when the person you wanted to spend your future with is walking away but taking some time to consider your financial security in retirement is important.

Handle holiday custody issues with these alternative ideas

On behalf of Beermann Law Group, Ltd. posted in child custody on Friday, November 29, 2019.

The holiday season is here and with it can be some difficult times ahead based on your custody agreement. Even if you and your children are going to be together for one holiday, there's a higher likelihood that you won't see them on another. As a parent, it can be hard to be away from your kids on Christmas morning or when everyone is together as a family on Thanksgiving, but if your custody schedule is arranged that way, then you may need to consider some alternative ways to handle the holidays.

One great option is to start by talking to your ex-spouse about the holidays and what you expect. Perhaps Christmas Day is very important to your family but not to theirs. In that case, you may want to have Christmas each year, while your children go to their other parent's home on Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve.

Don't let lies derail your divorce

On behalf of Beermann Law Group, Ltd. posted in Divorce on Monday, November 18, 2019.

When people go through divorce, some can be tempted to stray from the truth. They might do so out of fears about their financial future, worry for the children or bitterness toward an ex.

However, lying during a divorce is never a good idea. Not only can it be illegal, lying can derail the process, leading to expensive litigation and unfavorable outcomes. Below are some tips to prevent lies, fabrications, non-disclosures and half-truths from interfering in an Illinois divorce.

Fighting with your ex about your child? Don't make these mistakes

On behalf of Beermann Law Group, Ltd. posted in child custody on Friday, November 15, 2019.

Sharing custody of your child with your ex can be difficult, particularly when parents are contentious or are still adjusting to the custody arrangement.

Some people will eventually find stable ground and co-parent peacefully; others face ongoing challenges. In either case, parents should expect that disputes and disagreements can arise when it comes to raising a child separately but with another parent. Preparing for these situations is crucial, because it can keep arguments from spiraling out of control. It can be especially important to avoid some common mistakes.

How do the courts determine child support?

On behalf of Beermann Law Group, Ltd. posted in child support on Wednesday, November 13, 2019.

Children deserve to have support from both of their parents, even if that support is only financial. This is why courts typically order one parent to pay child support. It is not a punishment for the paying parent; it is not a reward for the recipient parent.

Child support is also not an arbitrary amount. The courts base their decisions on child support on specific guidelines and calculations.

Should your child go to therapy during or after a divorce?

On behalf of Beermann Law Group, Ltd. posted in family law on Monday, November 11, 2019.

Children don't always adjust well to changes. Some children may struggle to adapt when they move or when a loved one isn't around as often as they once were. For some, going through a divorce is a disruption that is not easily surmounted.

As a parent, there can be nothing more difficult than watching your child suffer. That's why you and your ex-spouse have been working together to help your child adapt. You both speak freely with them and allow them time to see either of you as and when necessary. You've stayed friends with your ex-spouse, so letting your child see you both isn't a problem, but sudden breakdowns, tearful episodes and tantrums have you questioning when things will get better.

Keeping the house after divorce: Is it wise?

On behalf of Beermann Law Group, Ltd. posted in Divorce on Monday, November 11, 2019.

The thought of moving into a new home after divorce can be daunting for some people. Packing up the house, looking for a new place and moving can just seem like too much to do in the wake of a stressful event. However, staying in the marital home is not always wise - or feasible.

Before you decide that you want to keep your marital home, you should consider a few caveats.

Using technology to your advantage during and after divorce

On behalf of Beermann Law Group, Ltd. posted in family law on Friday, November 8, 2019.

Technology is virtually inescapable today, from the computers we use for work to the cellphones we carry with us. Even our homes are strewn with technological devices that dim our lights and lock our doors.

Whether you feel nervous or excited by these advances, the fact is that technology plays a role in nearly every aspect of our lives. This includes family legal issues like divorce. Therefore, it can be helpful to embrace technology so you can use it to your advantage when navigating a family legal matter.